Colorado State Senator Rachel Zenzinger announced that she will be running for a seat on the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners following the news that County Commissioner Tracy Kraft-Tharp will not seek reelection.
Zenzinger, an Arvada resident who has represented State Senate District 19 for eight years and is now term-limited from holding that office again, announced her candidacy for county commissioner on Nov. 9.
District 19 covers parts of Arvada and Westminster.
After being elected to Arvada’s city council in 2008, Zenzinger was appointed to the state senate in 2013 following the resignation of Evie Hudak, whose campaign Zenzinger managed.
In 2016, Zenzinger was re-elected to the state senate.
In 2023, Zenzinger — a Democrat — crossed party lines to work with District 23 State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer to remove upzoning provisions from a proposed land use reform bill championed by Colorado Democrats. The bill did not pass during the 2023 legislative session.
Zenzinger said she felt the county commission would be a logical next step to continue her public service.
“This seems like the next best opportunity for me to apply my skills in service to the community,” Zenzinger said. “Honestly that’s what it’s all about. I get huge satisfaction from serving the people of Jefferson County and wherever people can benefit most from my emphases on transparency and accessibility.”
Kraft-Tharp announced that she would not be seeking re-election on Nov. 8.
“After careful consideration and conversation with my husband, who has stuck by me through five elections, I’ve decided to return to my roots of service to the community, and take some time for myself to travel, volunteer and attend more Colorado Rockies baseball games,” Kraft-Tharp said in a statement.
“It’s been a rewarding career,” Kraft-Tharp continued. “It’s been an honor to serve Jefferson County. Thank you for this privilege, and thank you, as always, for your support and friendship.”
Zenzinger already appears to have the support of Jeffco Commissioners Andy Kerr and Lesley Dahlkemper, who voiced their backing of her campaign in Zenzinger’s announcement.
“Rachel brings a huge amount of energy and integrity to any project, and I know we are going to accomplish more than ever on behalf of the people of Jefferson County,” Kerr said.
“Rachel has a way of working with people that motivates them to set aside differences to achieve the common good,” Dahlkemper said. “Her budget-savvy policy background and her heart for community will serve Jefferson County residents well.”